Graduate Fellowships
Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) Ph.D. Fellowships
The PERI Ph.D. Fellowship Program is a competitive fellowship program for students pursuing a Ph.D. in economics at Middle Tennessee State University. The PERI Ph.D. Fellowship provides financial support for tuition and fees and an annual stipend for part-time employment (20 hours a week) as a Graduate Assistant. Graduate assistant responsibilities include research assistance, teaching assistance, and/or tutoring. PERI Ph.D. Fellows will be expected to write one publishable academic journal article over the summer. The PERI Ph.D. Fellowship has a one-year appointment, but is renewable on a competitive basis.
To apply for a PERI Ph.D. Fellowship, submit the following to daniel.smith@mtsu.edu:
- Cover letter explaining your interest in the PERI fellowship, your interest in MTSU’s Ph.D. in economics program, and your career goals
- Current CV
- 500-1,000 word statement of research interest
- Minimum 10 page research or writing sample
Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) Ph.D. Summer Fellowships
The PERI Ph.D. Summer Fellowship Program is a competitive fellowship program for students pursuing a Ph.D. in economics at Middle Tennessee State University. The PERI Ph.D. Summer Fellowship provides a summer stipend of $4,000-6,000 for making progress towards a publishable academic journal article or dissertation chapter over the summer.
To apply for a PERI Ph.D. Summer Fellowship, submit the following to daniel.smith@mtsu.edu:
- Cover letter explaining your interest in the PERI Ph.D. Summer Fellowship and your career goals
- Current CV
- Title and abstract of proposed project (academic journal article or dissertation chapter)
For any questions regarding the PERI Ph.D. Fellowships, please contact:
Dr. Daniel J. Smith
Director, Political Economy Research Institute
Middle Tennessee State University
daniel.smith@mtsu.edu
PERI Ph.D. Fellowship in Criminal Justice
This new fellowship is awarded to students interested in applying economics to the study of our criminal justice system broadly considered, including policing, sentencing, plea bargaining, prisons, and post-prison outcomes. Fellows receiving this award will be assigned as a graduate assistant to work with Dr. Ben Stickle (MTSU Criminal Justice Administration).
Undergraduate Fellowships
The PERI Undergraduate Research Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis to honor-qualified undergraduate students interested in conducting research in the field of political economy broadly considered (e.g. economics, philosophy, law, sociology, political science).
Why Pursue a Ph.D. with the PERI at MTSU?
The Ph.D. Fellowship program offered by PERI provides a multitude of advantages to
its enrolled students. This includes the opportunity to engage with our esteemed faculty
members who hold significant editorial positions at leading academic journals. The
prolific publication record of our faculty and fellows in top-tier economics journals
also enhances the exposure of our students to cutting-edge research. Additionally,
our students benefit from the PERI's outstanding track record of placing graduates
in coveted academic positions. Such success can be attributed to the rich intellectual
foundation that we have built, further strengthened by our distinguished connections
with Nobel Prize-winning scholars.
Editorial Prominence of Faculty
PERI faculty members demonstrate their commitment to not only producing high-quality research but serve in editorial positions at top academic journals.
- Daniel J. Smith, Ph.D. serves as the North American Co-Editor for The Review of Austrian Economics.
- Ennio Piano, Ph.D. serves as Associate Editor of Public Choice.
Outstanding Record of Publications
PERI faculty and our Ph.D. research fellows have published in the following prestigious titles:
- The Journal of Law and Economics
- The Journal of Economic History
- Public Choice
- The Review of Austrian Economics
- The Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization
Job Market Success
The PERI strives to secure academic job placements that aligns with a student's career aspirations and research interests. Faculty and staff are committed to providing resources and support to aid in this endeavor. These efforts have yielded impressive results, as evidenced by the successful placement of graduates in positions at renowned public universities and colleges, including:
- King University
- Linfield University
- Northwood University
- University of Central Arkansas
- University of Minnesota Duluth
MTSU's Nobel Laureates in Economics
MTSU has a rich connection to Nobel laureates and economics scholars Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Dr. James Buchanan. Click the button below to learn more.
